NewzVille International
Amid rising regional tensions, leaders of Thailand and Cambodia held mediation talks in Malaysia on Monday to resolve their ongoing border conflict that has killed at least 33 people and displaced thousands.
Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet participated in the high-stakes discussions as shelling and troop movements continued along the disputed frontier.
The fighting, which erupted on 24 July, has left dozens dead—including civilians—and forced mass evacuations on both sides.
Despite talks, the atmosphere remains volatile, with indications that both militaries may be preparing intensified operations in contested areas.
In Thailand’s Sisaket province, shelling was reported on Sunday, though the origin remains unclear.
Amid these tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump intervened diplomatically, saying he warned both sides that no trade agreements with the United States would be finalized unless they ended hostilities.
“I told them clearly—no peace, no trade,” Trump said, adding that he believes both nations are now serious about ending the fighting.
The Thailand-Cambodia border has been a source of long-standing disputes, particularly over the Ta Moan Thom and Preah Vihear temples—two culturally significant but politically sensitive heritage sites.
The world now watches closely as diplomacy attempts to halt one of Southeast Asia’s most dangerous flare-ups in recent years.